Write a commentKenya’s beekeeping scene is growing fast. From smallholder farmers in Kitui to urban hobbyists in Nairobi, more people are keeping bees for income, pollination and conservation. Below is a clear, practical guide to the hive types, the main suppliers and how to buy—organized so you can scan quickly and act confidently.
Hive types and essential equipment
Common hive types
- Langstroth Hive — Modular, frame-based, best for commercial honey production.
- Kenya Top Bar Hive — Locally adapted, encourages natural comb building and easy harvesting.
- Log Hive — Traditional hollow-log design, popular in arid areas for high occupancy.
- Flow Hive — Premium option that lets you harvest honey without opening the hive.
Essential equipment
- Protective gear: bee suits, gloves, veils.
- Tools: smokers, hive tools, queen excluders, pollen traps.
- Processing: extractors, ripeners, packaging materials.
Beekeeping equipment such as bee suits, smokers, extractors, hive tools, and queen excluders are widely available, with many suppliers offering full kits and accessories alongside hives. Prices vary by supplier, region and customization. Bulk discounts and negotiation are common, especially for cooperatives and large orders.
Langstroth and Kenya Top Bar Hives dominate the market, with prices generally ranging from KSh 4,800 to KSh 13,500 depending on materials, accessories and supplier reputation. Flow Hives, a premium option, are available from select suppliers at significantly higher prices. Traditional log hives remain popular in rural and arid regions, often crafted by local carpenters or supplied through community cooperatives. Populated hives (with live bee colonies) are offered by specialized breeders and cooperatives, with additional costs for colony establishment and queen bee breeding.
Notable suppliers and what they offer
Modern Bee Farmers
Location: Mirema, Nairobi
Contact: +254 743 881 359,
Website: modernbeefarmers.co.ke
Hive Types: Langstroth (KSh 4,950–13,500), Kenya Top Bar (KSh 5,550), Pine Langstroth, full kits
Delivery: Nationwide, free delivery for 10+ hives in Nairobi
Certifications/Affiliations: Works with county governments, NGOs, and offers training manuals
Reputation: Trusted by 500+ beekeepers, strong focus on sustainable modern beekeeping, training and setup support
Modern Bee Farmers is a leading supplier of modern beehives and equipment in Nairobi, renowned for its commitment to quality, affordability and sustainable practices. The company offers Langstroth and Kenya Top Bar Hives, with prices starting at KSh 4,950 for pine Langstroth hives and KSh 5,550 for KTBH. Full kits, including suits, smokers and extractors are available. Delivery is offered nationwide, with free delivery for bulk orders in Nairobi. Modern Bee Farmers is affiliated with various county governments and NGOs, providing training and ongoing support to both new and experienced beekeepers. Their reputation is bolstered by positive feedback from over 500 clients and a strong presence in community-based initiatives.
Sidget Safety Kenya
Location: Nairobi
Contact: sidgetsafety.co.ke
Hive Types: Langstroth (KSh 5,500), Kenya Top Bar (KSh 5,000), imported Langstroth (KSh 8,500)
Accessories: Bee suits (KSh 3,200–3,800), smokers (KSh 1,000–3,500), extractors, queen excluders, hive tools
Delivery: Nationwide, 2–4 business days
Reputation: Reliable supplier of beekeeping equipment, competitive pricing, wide product range
Sidget Safety Kenya is a reputable supplier of beekeeping equipment, offering both Langstroth and Kenya Top Bar Hives at competitive prices. Their product range includes essential accessories such as bee suits, smokers, extractors and hive tools, catering to both beginners and commercial operations. Delivery is available nationwide, typically within 2–4 business days. Sidget Safety is known for its reliability and customer satisfaction, making it a preferred choice for many Nairobi-based beekeepers.
Yatta Beekeepers
Location: Juja Footbridge, Nairobi
Contact: +254 740 102284,
Website: yattabeekeepers.co.ke
Hive Types: Langstroth (KSh 5,500–6,000), Kenya Top Bar (KSh 4,800–6,000), Flow Hive (KSh 42,000)
Delivery: Nationwide
Certifications/Affiliations: Sustainability-focused, supports local beekeepers
Reputation: Prioritizes environmentally friendly practices, delivers across Kenya
Yatta Beekeepers is well-regarded for its commitment to sustainability and support for local beekeepers. The company supplies Langstroth, Kenya Top Bar and Flow Hives, with prices ranging from KSh 4,800 to KSh 42,000. Delivery is available nationwide, and the company emphasizes environmentally friendly practices and community empowerment.
Urban Beekeepers
Location: Nairobi
Contact: urbanbeekeepers.co.ke
Hive Types: Langstroth (KSh 4,499), Kenya Top Bar (KSh 5,000)
Delivery: Nationwide
Reputation: Offers affordable, high-quality hives, suitable for both beginners and experienced beekeepers
Urban Beekeepers provides affordable Langstroth and Kenya Top Bar Hives, with prices starting at KSh 4,499 and KSh 5,000 respectively. Their hives are crafted from high-quality materials and designed for optimal honey production and colony health. Delivery is available nationwide, making them accessible to beekeepers across Kenya.
Safeken
Location: Nairobi
Contact: safeken.co.ke
Hive Types: Langstroth (KSh 5,100), Kenya Top Bar (KSh 5,500)
Accessories: Hive stands, queen excluders, pollen traps
Delivery: Same-day in Nairobi, 2–4 days nationwide
Reputation: Trusted supplier for cooperatives, schools, and commercial farmers
Safeken is a trusted supplier of bee hives and accessories, serving a wide range of clients from smallholder farmers to large commercial operations. Their Langstroth and Kenya Top Bar Hives are competitively priced, and they offer same-day delivery in Nairobi and nationwide shipping within 2–4 days.
Savannah Honey Africa
Location: Utawala, Nairobi
Contact: +254 724 052 975,
Website: savannahhoneyafrica.com
Hive Types: Langstroth, Flow Hive (KSh 55,000)
Accessories: Full kits, extractors, queen rearing kits
Delivery: Nationwide
Certifications/Affiliations: Training, market access, sustainable practices
Reputation: Leading supplier, offers training and market access for bee products
Savannah Honey Africa is a leading supplier of beekeeping equipment, offering Langstroth and Flow Hives, full kits, and specialized accessories. The company provides training, market access and supports sustainable beekeeping practices. Delivery is available nationwide, and Savannah Honey Africa is known for its comprehensive support to beekeepers.
African Beekeepers Ltd (ABL)
Location: Road A, Industrial Area, Nairobi
Contact: +254 708 294 787,
Website: africanbeekeepers.co.ke
Hive Types: Langstroth, full kits
Accessories: Extractors, ripeners, liquifiers, packaging materials
Certifications/Affiliations: Commercial and community projects, training, Nature Kenya partnership
Reputation: Pioneer in modern beekeeping, offers training and startup kits
African Beekeepers Ltd is a pioneer in modern beekeeping in Kenya, supplying Langstroth hives, full kits, and a wide range of accessories. The company is involved in both commercial and community projects, offering training, startup kits and market access for honey products. ABL is affiliated with NatureKenya and other organizations, supporting sustainable and ethical beekeeping practices.
Native Beecare
Location: Along Outer-ring Road, Embakasi, Nairobi, Mombasa
Contact: +254 718 280 564,
Website: nativebeecare.co.ke
Hive Types: Modern hives, custom orders
Accessories: Full kits, hive colonization services
Certifications/Affiliations: Social enterprise, community empowerment
Reputation: Focuses on ASAL regions, tree protection, and sustainable development
Native Beecare is a social enterprise that promotes sustainable development and community empowerment through beekeeping. It manufactures and supplies modern hives, provides training, and offers hive colonization services, while operating workshops in Mombasa to supply equipment. The company is active in ASAL regions and the coastal area, with a strong focus on environmental conservation and supporting sustainable beekeeping practices for local communities.
The Hive Group
Location: Nairobi
Contact: +254 706 349 748 / +254 731 905 263,
Website: thehivegp.com
Hive Types: Advanced equipment, full kits
Reputation: Supplies cutting-edge beekeeping equipment across Africa
The Hive Group supplies advanced beekeeping equipment, serving both small-scale and commercial beekeepers across Africa. Their extensive product range includes modern hives, extractors, and accessories.
Egerton University Bee Research and Demonstration Unit (BRDU)
Location: Njoro, Nakuru County
Contact: egerton.ac.ke
Hive Types: Langstroth, populated hives
Services: Queen bee breeding, training
Certifications/Affiliations: Queen Bee Rearing Technology (QBRT), training programs
Reputation: Scientific approach to queen rearing, supports farmers in ASAL regions, training and upscaling
Egerton University’s BRDU is a leader in queen bee breeding and hive colonization, offering Langstroth hives and populated hives to farmers. The QBRT program enhances hive productivity and supports sustainable beekeeping practices. Training and support are available for both small-scale and commercial beekeepers.
KVDA (Kerio Valley Development Authority)
Location: Rift Valley
Contact: kvda.go.ke
Hive Types: Kenyan Top Bar, Langstroth, Super Log Hive
Reputation: Supplies modern and improved traditional hives, supports ASAL regions, promotes sustainable practices
KVDA supplies Kenyan Top Bar, Langstroth, and Super Log Hives, with a focus on arid and semi-arid regions. Their hives are designed for high occupancy and productivity, supporting sustainable rural development.
Tunza Nyuki Beekeeping Hub
Location: Bomet, Narok, Kericho, Nyamira, Kisii, Bungoma
Contact: tunzanyuki.com
Hive Types: Kenya Top Bar, Langstroth, log hives
Certifications/Affiliations: Community-focused, FAO Family Farming Knowledge Platform
Reputation: Empowers smallholder farmers, provides training, supports women and youth, promotes sustainable practices
Tunza Nyuki is a community-focused organization working across multiple Rift Valley counties and into Western Kenya to promote sustainable beekeeping and rural livelihoods. The hub provides training, hive management, queen rearing, and hive relocation services, and supplies Kenya Top Bar, Langstroth, and log hives. Tunza Nyuki is affiliated with the FAO Family Farming Knowledge Platform and is known for empowering women and youth, supporting environmental conservation, and strengthening sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping
Elbee Apiculture Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd
Location: Migori County
Contact: Standard Media
Hive Types: Langstroth, Kenya Top Bar, log hives
Certifications/Affiliations: NARIGP grant, training, honey processing factory
Reputation: Unifies farmers, provides subsidized equipment, training, and market access
Elbee Cooperative is a community-based organization in Migori County that supports local beekeepers by supplying Langstroth and Kenya Top Bar hives, offering training, and providing subsidized equipment. Backed by NARIGP grants, the cooperative also operates a honey processing factory and plays a key role in strengthening members’ bargaining power and market access.
Local Carpenters and Small-Scale Makers (Awasi/Onjiko, Kisumu County)
Location: Kisumu, Awasi/Onjiko
Contact: Prologic Technologies
Hive Types: Log hives, custom wooden hives
Pricing: Custom log hives typically KSh 3,000–5,000
Reputation: Traditional craftsmanship, affordable, supports local economy
Local carpenters in Kisumu and surrounding areas offer custom log hives and wooden hive construction, leveraging traditional skills and locally sourced materials. These hives are affordable and can be tailored to specific requirements, supporting the local economy and rural livelihoods.
Kamaki Farmers Cooperative Society
Location: Ikutha, Kitui County
Contact: Kamaki Cooperative
Hive Types: Langstroth, Kenya Top Bar, log hives
Certifications/Affiliations: KEBS standard mark, KCDF, Transform Trade, PGM project
Reputation: Empowers 1,000+ farmers, climate resilience, women empowerment, community-driven development
Kamaki Farmers Cooperative is a leading beekeeping cooperative in Kitui County that supplies Langstroth, Kenya Top Bar, and log hives to members. The cooperative holds KEBS certification and receives support from KCDF and Transform Trade through the Participatory Grant Making (PGM) process. Kamaki emphasizes climate resilience, women’s empowerment, and community-driven development, positioning itself as a model for sustainable rural beekeeping.
Kitui County Cooperatives
Location: Kitui County
Contact: County government, local cooperatives
Hive Types: Langstroth, Kenya Top Bar, log hives, populated hives
Certifications/Affiliations: County support, training, pollination services
Reputation: Supports 10,000+ members, manages 100,000+ hives, offers pollination services and hive sales
Kitui County supports multiple beekeeping cooperatives, managing over 100,000 hives and offering training, pollination services, and hive sales. Kitui County cooperatives offer queen bee breeding and populated hives, enabling farmers to sell hives with established colonies and provide pollination services. These cooperatives are instrumental in scaling up beekeeping and supporting rural livelihoods.
Bright Enriched Empowerment Programme (B.E.E.P.)
Location: Thika, Kiambu County
Contact: BEEP
Hive Types: Langstroth, Kenya Top Bar
Certifications/Affiliations: Community-driven, training, micro-finance
Reputation: Supports sustainable economic growth, knowledge transfer, community empowerment
B.E.E.P. is a civil society organization supporting sustainable economic growth through beekeeping, training, and micro-finance services. The program supplies Langstroth and Kenya Top Bar Hives, focusing on community empowerment and financial independence.
Asali Organics Limited
Location: Nairobi, Central Kenya
Contact: asaliorganics.com
Hive Types: Langstroth, Kenya Top Bar
Certifications/Affiliations: Organic standards, training
Reputation: Produces high-quality, raw, unfiltered honey, offers training and support
Asali Organics specializes in organic honey production, supplying Langstroth and Kenya Top Bar Hives, and providing training and support to beekeepers in Central Kenya.
Delivery Options, Logistics and National Shipping
Most reputable suppliers offer nationwide delivery, with same-day or 2–4 day shipping available in major towns. Bulk orders often qualify for free delivery, especially in Nairobi and surrounding regions. Suppliers such as Modern Bee Farmers, Sidget Safety, Yatta Beekeepers, Urban Beekeepers, Safeken, and Savannah Honey Africa have established logistics networks to ensure timely delivery across Kenya.
Local carpenters and cooperatives typically arrange delivery within their regions, with options for pickup or transport by boda boda or local couriers. Community-based initiatives and cooperatives often facilitate group purchases and collective delivery to reduce costs and improve access for rural farmers.
Certifications, Affiliations, and Beekeeping Associations
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
KEBS certification is essential for suppliers and cooperatives seeking to market honey and bee products in Kenya. Kamaki Farmers Cooperative and other leading organizations have achieved KEBS standard marks, ensuring quality and market access.
Apiculture Platform of Kenya (APK)
APK is the national multi-stakeholder society coordinating the beekeeping value chain in Kenya. Membership provides access to guidelines, networking, capacity building, and policy advocacy.
County Governments and NGOs
Many suppliers and cooperatives are supported by county governments, NGOs, and international organizations such as Transform Trade, KCDF, FAO, and World Vision. These affiliations enhance credibility, support training, and facilitate access to funding and markets.
Price Negotiation Tips, Bulk Discounts and Funding Options
- Bulk Discounts: Most suppliers offer discounts for bulk purchases, especially for cooperatives and large orders. Negotiating directly with suppliers can yield better prices and additional accessories.
- Funding Options: Cooperatives often facilitate access to grants, loans, and subsidized equipment through partnerships with county governments, NGOs, and international organizations.
- Community Purchases: Group purchases through cooperatives or community-based organizations can reduce costs and improve access to equipment and training.
- Seasonal Promotions: Suppliers frequently offer seasonal discounts and promotions, particularly during agricultural expos and beekeeping events.